Public Spaces

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- Cobb County's two outdoor public pools will open for the season this month.

One of the pools is celebrating a grand reopening. Sewell Pool and Splash Pad in East Cobb will host a community celebration this Friday, May 16. A ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m., while the pool will officially open at 4 p.m.

Sewell Pool and Splash Pad is located at 2085 Lower Roswell Road.

Cobb County's other outdoor pool, Powder Springs Pool, is located at 3899 Brownsville Road. It will open for the summer on Thursday, May 22. Hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

ACWORTH, Ga. -- Acworth Parks and Recreation will hold karate classes for children and tai chi classes for adults beginning next month.

The karate lessons are for children ages 4-10 and are taught by certified instructors, including a 7th degree black belt. The cost is $65 for Acworth residents and $70 for non-residents.

Karate classes are held at the Roberts School Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays through Jan. 30. Participants can choose between a 5:30 p.m. session and a 6 p.m. session.

Tai chi is a calmer form of martial arts. Acworth's classes are designed for people who are at least 21 years old. The cost is $87.50 for residents and $92.50 for non-residents.

The city will host beginner's classes on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Intermediate classes will be Mondays at 6:30 p.m., while advanced classes will be Mondays at 7:30 p.m. All three sessions will be at the Roberts School Community Center, and will run through Jan. 29.

The entry deadline is nearing for the 2011 'Fun in the Park' photo contest.

As you are out enjoying Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs' parks and activities, be sure to bring your camera and capture the fun and memories of your sports activities, the beauty of nature and wildlife in the parks, and anything else that shows why you enjoy your day at the park.

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Despite being among the top three killers of Americans under age 21, many parents do not seem to realize that underage drinking is a major problem.

The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is partnering with the PTAs at local schools to give parents an important skill set to prevent teen drinking. A meeting for all Cobb parents will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cobb Central Library.

Several local experts will give insight into this growing issue, including Cobb Alcohol Taskforce coordinator Cathy Finck.

"The brain goes through dynamic change during adolescence, and alcohol can seriously damage long and short term brain growth processes," Finck said. "The research is compelling, but more parents need to know about it. We hope arming PTAs will help get the facts and useful tips to more parents for saving teen brains."

MARIETTA, Ga. -- For low-income families with young children, a few diapers can turn into a priceless gift.

Many people do not realize that food stamps cannot be used to buy hygiene products, including diapers. The average family with small children spends about $100 a month on diapers -- an expense that some low-income families cannot afford to shoulder.

Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get ready to have a screaming (in delight) good time! For one day only, Fernbank Museum is becoming Fernbank BOO-seum. Little Beat Music, Inc. will provide family-friendly tunes and face painting will inspire those who didn’t quite finish their costumes. Plus, enjoy a frightening-ly fun Halloween party featuring games, crafts, hands-on activities and special treats for kids in costumes.* (*Treats available while supplies last.)